In the wake of the terrorist assault in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, India has declared a number of tough diplomatic actions against Pakistan. These include the closing of the Wagah-Attari border, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and the revocation of Pakistani nationals' visas.
India Retaliates To Pahalgam Terror Attack With Major Diplomatic And Security Measures.
In a significant escalation following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack
that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, India has implemented a series
of decisive actions aimed at addressing the security breach and holding
the perpetrators accountable. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS),
chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened to deliberate on the
situation and formulate a robust response.
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| PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah in Cabinet Committee on Security meeting| Source - LIVEMINT |
Key Decisions Taken By India Are :
Suspension Of The Indus Waters Treaty.
India has announced that the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan is suspended. The suspension will remain in effect until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible steps to cease its support for cross-border terrorism.
Closure Of The Wagah-Attari Border
The Wagah-Attari Integrated Check Post, the only land crossing used for trades between the 2 countries, has been closed indefinitely. This decision aims to prevent any further infiltration and ensure the safety of Indian citizens.
Revocation Of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SPES)
India is revoking the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals. All previously issued SPES visas are now deemed cancelled, and Pakistani nationals currently in India under this scheme have been given 48 hours to depart.
Expulsion Of Pakistani Diplomats
The Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi are now considered an unacceptable or unwelcome person, i.e. persona non grata. They have been instructed to leave India within a week. In a reciprocal move, India will withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
Enhanced Security Measures
The Indian government has directed all security forces to maintain
heightened vigilance across the country. The wrongdoer of the Pahalgam
attack will be brought to justice, and their sponsors held accountable. The
government has emphasized its commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring
the safety of its citizens.
What is Indus water treaty?
It is an international water-sharing agreements which was mediated by the World Bank and signed in 1960 as the Indus Waters Treaty.
It regulates the usage of six rivers in the Indus Basin:
1>Eastern rivers: Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi (Indian territory)
2>Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab (allotted to Pakistan) are western rivers.
According to the treaty, Pakistan received 80% of the system's water, or around 135 million acre-feet (MAF) or 99 billion cubic meters (bcm) yearly, while India was granted rights over 20%, or roughly 33 MAF or 41 bcm. India is not permitted to obstruct or drastically change the flow of western rivers, but it is permitted to use them for non-consumptive uses like hydropower.
Impact Of Suspension Of Indus Water Treaty.
Impact On Regional Relations.
These measures signify a substantial shift in India's diplomatic and
security posture towards Pakistan. The suspension of the Indus Waters
Treaty, in particular, is a rare and significant step, given the treaty's
historical importance in Indo-Pakistani relations. The closure of the
Wagah-Attari border further underscores India's determination to safeguard
its sovereignty and security interests.
Impact Of Closing Attari Border On Trade?
Attari is the only authorized land route for trade between India and Pakistan. Its is approximately 28 kilometers from Amritsar and is India's first land port. The check station, which is 120 acres in size and has a direct connection to National Highway I, has been essential to cross-border trade, especially with regard to imports from Afghanistan.
Over the years, the Attari-Wagah corridor has seen varying numbers of
passengers and trade. The land port saw 71,563 passenger crossings, 6,871
cargo movements, and trade of Rs 3,886.53 crore in 2023–2024.
The Attari Land Port, which handles a range of commodities, has long
been an important commercial route between India and Pakistan. Soybeans,
chicken feed and vegetables are among the primary exported items from India
that go through this route. Conversely, imports from Pakistan and other
countries have mostly consisted of various herbs, cement, glass, gypsum, dry
fruits, dry dates, and rock salt.
It is anticipated that the port shutdown will have a major effect on
the flow of these commodities, especially for manufacturers and small
dealers who depend on this cross-border trade. Volumes have, however,
usually decreased since 2018–19, which is indicative of persistent conflicts
and disturbances.
India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack reflects a firm stance against terrorism and a commitment to national security. The government's actions aim to deter future attacks and send a clear message to those who seek to destabilize the region. As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring India's next steps and their implications for regional stability.
Important Note: This article is based on information available as of April 23, 2025, and may be subject to updates as new developments occur.
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